The Science of Vocabulary Instruction Microcredential

The Science of Vocabulary Instruction Microcredential

The Science of Vocabulary Instruction is a comprehensive professional learning microcredential designed to support K-6 educators, school leaders and pre-service teachers in strengthening their vocabulary instruction through research-supported, evidence-based practice. Grounded in student-centered, inclusive pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching practices, this 12-hour asynchronous microcredential integrates recommendations for effective practices in both literacy instruction and the content areas.

This microcredential empowers educators to design language-rich learning environments where the intentional exploration of words is seamlessly embedded across whole-class instruction, small-group collaboration, and independent application. Educators will engage with responsive assessment practices and data analysis to provide high-leverage, immediate feedback that drives student word consciousness and growth.

Across each microcourse, participants will analyze the work of prominent vocabulary researchers and translate that research into practical, evidence-based instructional strategies they can implement immediately.

Enroll today and lead the way in vocabulary excellence! Microcourses may be taken individually. Badges and certificates of participation will be given for completion of each microcourse. To earn the microcredential, learners must complete all four microcourses. Cost is $125 for each microcourse, or $425 for the full microcredential.

Learning Objectives for Full Microcredential (Microcourses 1, 2, 3 and 4)

• Understand the relationship between vocabulary, comprehension and culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies.
• Identify key principles for effective vocabulary instruction based upon research.
• Ensure equitable access to vocabulary instruction for all learners, especially for multilingual learners and learned with targeted language goals, by employing evidence-based strategies.
• Select vocabulary words for direct instruction based upon utility, frequency and instructional importance.
• Implement various explicit instructional methods to teach identified words.
• Foster independent vocabulary growth through the teaching of word-learning strategies.
• Evaluate the utility of various formal and informal assessment tools to accurately gauge students’ breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge.
• Design and deliver responsive feedback and differentiated instruction for vocabulary acquisition based directly on the data gathered from formal and informal student assessments.
• Design classroom environments that maximize daily opportunities for students’ incidental word learning.
• Cultivate a classroom culture that actively fosters curiosity and playfulness with words by encouraging metacognitive discussion and exploration of word origins, functions, and connections.
• Integrate effective vocabulary instruction into all subject areas and throughout the entire school day to ensure consistent and varied exposure to new words and concepts.
• Develop practical, culturally responsive communication strategies for connecting with families and the community to honor and leverage diverse language practices in support of students' academic vocabulary growth.

Registration

Format: Asynchronous Online Microcourses

Full Microcredential (Microcourses 1-4) Price: $425 - a $75 bundle discount

For more information, questions or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu

Please Note: This microcredential and its individual microcourses have rolling registration. Once registration is complete, learners will have 6 months to complete their chosen course(s).